The Eye of the Cosmos: Viewing Soil Life through Chromatography - Biodynamic Workshop - March 21-23, 2025

Join us for a hands-on demonstration of soil chromatography techniques with Stewart Lundy.

What is Chromatography?

Chromatography is a way of taking a "photograph" of the invisible dynamics at work in soil samples. Rather than relying purely on quantifiable data, chromatography is situated squarely in the realm of aesthetic perception.

Soil chromatography is simple enough to do in your own kitchen, and affordable enough for almost anyone to do it. Soil chromatography relies on the human being and our personal relationship to these pictures.

The pictures produced from soil or compost (called "chromas") can be analyzed for soil organic matter (SOM), enzyme diversity, and overall integration. Some practitioners read these images on a subtler level, looking for signs of etheric vitality and astral dynamism.

Like learning a musical instrument or developing a feeling for art, "reading" these pictures requires practice. It is about developing an inner aesthetic eye. The first step is doing it yourself, so we invite you to join us at the JPI farm from March 21-23, 2025. 

Can I make chromas of my own soil?

Yes. Each participant may ship samples at least two weeks before March 21st, so we have time to develop the images. They take several days to finish developing, so for us to share our samples together, they need to be sent well in advance of our gathering together.

If you are unable to submit samples (or do not wish to do so), you may still attend the workshop. When collecting samples, please gather from twelve (12) different spots and combine the samples together. Send 10 grams of dried material (whether compost or soil) per sample. Limit two samples per attendee. To dry the material, do not expose to direct sunlight and do not heat over 120F. Above 120F, enzymes rapidly break down, and a major part of chromatography is revealing the dynamics of enzymes. Label your combined 10g sample(s) clearly and mail the samples to the address indicated on the event page.

Participants must both purchase a ticket and mail their samples to us at least one week before the event itself. If they arrive late, we will still make chromas of them but they may not be ready for the in-person workshop; in which case, we will mail them to you later when they are ready. We will make chromas of your samples in advance of the workshop, so the results can be compared and discussed with the group. Chromatography takes time, patience, and resources to develop.

This chroma service alone (available ONLY for attendees who visit in person) is a value of $175. If you would like to purchase chroma services separately, you may do so here.

Where to ship samples: Samples must arrive by March 6th. If you are unable to make this deadline, you may still attend the workshop. No attendee is required to submit a soil or compost sample, but every attended who does submit samples will be given laminated chromas of their samples to take home with them. 

Ship 10g per sample (dried compost or dried soil), limit two (2) samples per attendee. Label each sample clearly! Give your full name as well. 

Stewart Lundy
PO BOX 538
Accomac, VA 23301

Accommodations: Lodging is available nearby in Floyd, VA. Free camping is available on the JPI farm.

Work Comp: Those who opt for a work comp are expected to show up early to help set up, actively participate in assisting the workshop, and also stay late to clean up after the workshop. After the workshop, 50% will be refunded upon request in appreciation for your assistance. Those who wish to focus more on active listening will likely not prefer this option, though there is a lot to be learned by doing.

Location:

The Josephine Porter Institute

652 Thompson Road SE
Floyd Virginia
24091 United States

Schedule: 

Google Calendar Event with Schedule

Friday March 21st, 2025

Arrival 3pm-4:30pm. 
Farm tour at Riverstone from 4:30-5:30pm.
Opening Ceremonies 5:30-6:30pm
Dinner 6:30-8:00pm
Bonfire Conversations 8:00pm. -

Saturday March 22nd, 2025

Light Breakfast 8am-9:30am. 
Beginning Practical Chromatography 9:30am-12:00am
Break 12:00-12:30pm
Lunch 12:30-1:30pm
Break 1:30-2:00pm
Experimental Perception 2:00-3:30pm
Continuing Chromatography 3:30pm-6:00pm
Break 6:00-6:30pm
Dinner 6:30-8:00pm
Bonfire Conversations 8:00pm -

Sunday March 23rd, 2025

Light Breakfast 8am-9:30am. 
Group Photo 9:30am
Reviewing Practical Chromatography 9:45am-10:30am
Break 10:30-11:00am
Brunch 11:00-12:00pm
Closing Ceremonies 12:00pm
Work-Comp Clean-Up 12:00pm -

Recording Available

An edited and condensed recording will be made available at a sliding scale for folks who are unable to attend. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, as it helps us cover operating costs to make this information and future workshops like this available to more people.